BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — A new recovery center is also being called a sobering center because it's a place where Kern County residents can go in the midst of an alcohol or drug abuse episode.

According to Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, the new facility coming to East Bakersfield will offer a place to rest, snacks to eat, and peer support in order for someone to sober up before taking any reckless steps.

"There are people that show up to different agencies for example mental health clinics or even substance abuse treatment clinics and they are under the influence. It's difficult to provide behavioral health intervention to someone who is under the influence," explained Ana Olvera of Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services.

The center wants to stress that this is not a residential facility, it is simply a place for residents to sober up before going home or taking the next step of going to a psychiatric or substance abuse center.

The center is free of charge and can help up to 10 residents at a time.